GerryShedd
Super Moderator
If Norwell, Stone and Woakes were fit and firing, that would make a huge difference; but I suspect that the chances of that happening for all three at the same time ever again are remote. We do have the prospect of Ed Barnard next year - 250 first class wickets at just under 30 so far in his career, plus a batting average of 34.
I agree about the bowling. Last year, I thought that Danny Briggs was at least a half-decent replacement for Jeetan but at the Aegeas Bowl on Tuesday, it seemed to me exactly the kind of day and pitch when Jeetan would have steadily worked his way through the Hampshire batting order and ended up with five for 60 or so, whereas Briggs had 1-87. What Jeetan would have done is just speculation, of course.
A good win and some excellent performances from Ethan Brookes and Jacob Bethell:
https://edgbaston.com/fixtures/second-xi/kent-second-xi-vs-warwickshire-second-xi-11-july-2022/#match-match-reports
I don't think it's true that there have been more bowler injuries since "Pop" Welch left - think about how we had to draft in temporary replacements a couple of years or so ago. Liam Norwell has been an injury worry since he arrived (and when he was at Gloucestershire); and Olly Stone came to us when he was injured.
One of my friends bumped into "Pop" at the Aegeas Bowl and said that he needed to come back, to which "Pop" laughed and said he was happy at Hampshire!
I agree that there were personal reasons for Keith Barker's move so there was no way that the Club could have hung on to him. But he is certainly still missed.
As Highveld says, Tom Rawlings was great in his job and was a good friend to Bearsfans, very keen to keep open the link to the members and supporters. It remains to be seen if/how that link will be maintained in the future.
If you thought that the Bears took a beating, just be grateful that you're not a Derbyshire supporter.
I'm annoyed that, because Somerset qualified and the Bears didn't, Exiled Bear's mate Harry Everett will get the nod to report for Deep Extra Cover on Finals Day. It's a great day to be in the Press Box - lots of excitement and non-stop food!
You have reflected my thoughts entirely, Highveld, especially the hope that he is able to make the decisions that will be right for him.
Well, LE, I didn't mention any names!
I think others have said it all; but here was my take:
https://deepextracover.com/2022/07/hawks-slay-the-bears-on-way-to-finals-day/
Details about the Hampshire squad here:
https://www.ageasbowl.com/cricket/news/match-preview-birmingham-bears-v-hampshire-hawks,-vitality-blast-quarter-final/
Yes, the Worcestershire Championship win in 1964 was a total fluke. They only clinched the title with a mere three games to play and scraped home with 41 points more than the second placed team (who happened to be Warwickshire). They somehow managed to win four more games than the Bears and lose two fewer.
Pure luck or maybe an early example of match fixing or possibly biased umpiring - probably all three.
As predicted, a three-year white ball contract with "pay-as-you-play" for red ball:
https://edgbaston.com/news/warwickshire-sign-moeen-ali-on-three-year-contract/
I agree that it's great for them and well-deserved, though it means that Sam will miss the 4-day game v Hampshire - I assume that Adam Hose and Jake Lintott wouldn't have been selected for that anyway.
And the same article says that Saqib Mahmood is now likely to stay at Lancashire.
From the Club:
"Birmingham Bears have confirmed arrangements for a home Vitality Blast quarter-final, should they finish in the top two of the North Group.
Subject to qualification, the Bears will host a home quarter-final at Edgbaston Stadium on Thursday 7 July, 6.30pm start. Confirmation of a top two finish and the quarter-final opponent will be confirmed on Sunday (3 July) following the final round of group fixtures.
Full Club Members, Season Pass holders and Blast & Hundred Members for the 2022 season will be able to attend the fixture for free by simply scanning their Membership Card at the stadium entrance points.
Members will also have a priority window to purchase additional tickets from 12noon on Monday 4 July, with tickets going on general sale from 3pm on Monday 4 July. We will be in contact with you again on Monday with further details on how you can purchase additional tickets.
Adult tickets will be available for only £10 in advance and £15 when purchased on the day.
12 to 15-year-olds will be £1 and under 12s will go free.
Tickets will be available to buy online at tickets.edgbaston.com.
Members will not be able to use any guest passes for this match. All timings are subject to change."
All confirmed except the opponents!
https://edgbaston.com/news/bears-confirm-plan-for-potential-home-t20-quarter-final/
It looks as though the teams going through to the quarter finals are almost decided and the main issue to be resolved is who gets the home fixtures.
It's Surrey, Somerset, Essex and Hampshire from the South Group and the Bears, Lancashire and Derbyshire from the North Group plus the winners of Yorkshire v Leicestershire tomorrow.
I agree that it was a good all round performance.
I was surprised at how much moving around of the field Alex Davies was doing. I presume that Carlos was happy with this - maybe relying on the fact that Davies is in a good position to see what is happening and what is needed. But I can think of a few captains who would very quickly have told him who was in charge.
I think most of us would agree that Vihari was a disappointment last season. But the "makes more effort" remark implies that he didn't try his best; and that is a pretty insulting thing to say about any professional sportsman.
Just announced that the Club have signed India international all-rounder Krunal Pandya for the Royal London campaign.